Claudia Palma

Recent articles

Beauty pageants

PASADENA>> Lurdes Medina admits she had a preconceived notion that many beauty pageants focused on the superficial.But after her being invited to work with a pageant production taking place in Pasadena over a year ago, she not only was surprised at what she learned about pageants, she was inspired.“It was a big eye-opener. The (contestants) were so diverse,” said Medina. “The one thing all the girls had in common is confidence. It left me in...

Local governments

EAST LOS ANGELES >> It was a perfect morning Wednesday to enjoy the new outdoor seating in front of So-Cal Burgers in East Los Angeles.The seating is part of a new parklet on the Mednik Avenue side of the restaurant; one of three built in the East L.A. community.“I like it,” said So-Cal Burgers owner Tony Gomez. “People can sit down and relax; it’s open to the public.”The parklets were part of a county pilot project to create...

Education

TEMPLE CITY>> Oak Avenue Intermediate is looking to grow inspiration with a new garden.The Character Garden project will offer students an environment where they are surrounded by messages focused on character. It will also offer staff a unique space in which to teach lessons that reinforce the school’s six character traits — respect, responsibility, integrity, compassion, perseverance and honesty.“For us, we educate the whole child,” said...

Local elections

TEMPLE CITY >> Tom Chavez councilman Vincent Yu have been chosen to be mayor and mayor pro tem for the city. Councilwoman Cynthia Sternquist was returned to the council for a second term and sworn in with new councilmembers Nanette Fish and William Man.Chavez has served on the council since 2009 and has previously served as mayor and mayor pro tem. He is a board member of St. Luke Church’s annual parish fiesta, and played a major role in establishing the...

Obituaries

PASADENA>> For Michael Ward it was a passion to give back to the community he loved.It was evident in his time with the Tournament of Roses, where he served many roles including president twice, and the numerous organizations in and around his Pasadena hometown, which he gave his time and energy.Ward died March 15 at age 78.“He loved being involved in the city,” said Linda Ward, his wife of 33 years. “He joined everything.”Ward...

Technology

PASADENA>> For those with disabilities, just one tool can sometimes make a huge difference in their quality of life.Creating one of these tools was one of the reasons for a new mechanical engineering class at Caltech.Dr. Kenneth A. Pickar,Visiting Professor of Mechanical and Medical Engineering at Caltech, invited Andy Lin, technology specialist at the Center for Applied Rehabilitation Technology at Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center in Downey, and his...

Children's museums

PASADENA>> Ladybugs crawled and fluttered around curious preschoolers Wednesday in Kidspace Children’s Museum’s new Greenhouse.The newly opened facility offers new learning experiences and opportunities that connect visitors to the world of nature, officials said.“It’s a great meeting place between fun and learning, the art and sciences,” said Peter Crabbe, director of education and exhibits.

Charity fundraising

PASADENA>> Dylan Wolfe, like many 2-year-olds, loves to play, especially with his stuffed animals.But Dylan’s play unfortunately rarely includes other children, and may also include bumps, falls and trips, since he is legally blind.“He’s awesome,” said mom Katie Kranther Wolfe, 35 of Camarillo. “He’s so brave and strong.”The blindness came from the tumor in his brain which affects his eyesight.Dylan was...

Fairs and festivals

More than 100 Sierra Madre volunteers are poised to greet the thousands of visitors set to descend upon their town this Sunday for the 98th Annual Wistaria Festival.“We get a really great turnout,” said Ed Chen, president of the Sierra Madre Chamber of Commerce, which hosts the one-day festival each year. “We get...

Education

Aili Tapio Gardea couldn’t hold back her emotions as she took in an exhibit dedicated to her storied former teacher Jaime Escalante at Pasadena City College’s Circadian.“It takes me back to when he was in the classroom,” she said, wiping away tears. “Especially seeing the videos. I feel his spirit.”The college held an opening reception Thursday for